IC Compiler II: Block-level Implementation

Overview

Learn to use IC Compiler II to run a complete place and route flow on block-level designs. The flow covered within the workshop addresses the main design closure steps for multi-voltage designs, with multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM) timing and power challenges. All topics are accompanied by very engaging hands-on lab exercises.

Day 1 topics include: ICC II GUI usage; objects, blocks and application options; block-level floorplanning; placement and incremental post-placement optimizations.

Day 2 topics include: Library preparation for IC Compiler II NDM cell libraries; IC Compiler II's re-architected multi-corner/mode/scenario design setup process; classic clock tree synthesis as well as "concurrent clock-and-data" optimization.

Day 3 topics include: More details on CTS setup; signal routing and post-route optimization; top-level integration and implementation using block abstracts; functional and timing ECOs, signoff DRC and metal filling using IC Validator.
 

Objectives

At the end of this workshop you should be able to use IC Compiler II to:

• Use the GUI to analyze the layout during the various design phases
• Control object and layer visibility, rearrange the GUI to suit your needs
• Perform timing analysis using the GUI
• Describe what elements an NDM cell library contains, and create an NDM technology-only library
• Use the Task Assistant to execute floorplanning steps as well as the place and route flow
• Create NDM reference libraries for use in ICC II, both for standard and macro cells, and for storing technology data (technology file, placement site and routing layer settings, RC TLU+ data)
• Create a block-level floorplan including automatic voltage area shaping and placement, automatic macro placement and advanced connectivity analysis, intro to pattern-based power network synthesis, macro keepouts and placement blockages, and congestion map analysis
• Perform and debug design setup to create an initial design which is ready for placement; this includes loading the netlist, floorplan- and scan-DEF files; Loading multi-voltage design data: UPF and voltage-area definitions; creating an NDM design library, and applying common timing and optimization controls
• Create modes, corners and scenarios for IC Compiler II’s rearchitected MCMM environment
• Use timing derate as well as AOCV and POCV derating
• Perform concurrent MCMM standard cell placement and related optimizations to minimize timing violations, congestion, and power; Includes items such as leakage, dynamic and total power set up, layer optimization, spare cell handling, congestion-driven restructuring, global route layer binning, move bounds, path optimization, as well as embedded ICG optimization.
• Perform setup for clock tree synthesis and data-path optimization (define exceptions, targets, non-default routing rules, etc.)
• Execute the "classic" CTS and optimization flow, or the concurrent clock-and-data (CCD) flow; global and local skew optimization is covered
• Analyze clock tree and timing results post-CTS using the GUI and text reports
• Perform routing setup to control DRC fixing, via optimization, antenna fixing, and crosstalk reduction
• Route critical, secondary PG and signal nets and perform post-route optimization including post-CTS, CCD, power and crosstalk optimization
• Perform PrimeTime-based timing analysis and StarRC-based extraction and optimization within IC Compiler II
• Create block abstracts and frame views for top-level assembly and implementation
• Analyze and fix physical DRC violations, using IC Validator from within IC Compiler II (In-Design Flow)
• Insert standard cell metal fillers and perform metal filling using IC Validator
• Perform functional unconstrained and freeze-silicon ECOs
• Generate all required output files for signoff extraction and static timing analysis
• Perform timing ECOs in combination with Primetime Physical Guidance
   

Audience Profile

ASIC, back-end, or layout designers who will be using IC Compiler II to perform placement, CTS, and routing on block-level designs
 

Prerequisites

While prior knowledge of IC Compiler II or IC Compiler is not needed, knowledge of general (non-tool specific) standard cell-based placement, CTS, and routing concepts and terms is helpful.

An understanding of basic digital ASIC design concepts is assumed, including:

• Combinational and sequential logic functionality
• Setup and hold timing
  
  

Course Outline

Day 1

• Workshop Introduction and GUI use (Lecture + Lab)
• Objects, Blocks and App Options (Lecture only)
• Floorplanning (Lecture + Lab)
• Placement and Optimization (Lecture + Lab)

Day 2

• NDM Cell Libraries (Lecture Only)
• Design Setup (Lecture + Lab)
• Timing Setup (Lecture + Lab)
• Running CTS (Lecture + Lab)

Day 3

• Setting Up CTS (Lecture + Lab)
• Routing and Optimization (Lecture + Lab)
• Top Level Implementation (Lecture Only)
• Signoff (Lecture + Lab)
• Customer Support (Lecture only)
   

Synopsys Tools Used

• IC Compiler II - Version 2017.09-SP2-1
• IC Validator - Version 2017.12-SP2

Delivery Options

• Instructor-led
• eLearning